Shaolin Kung Fu

The Shaolin monks from China performed this weekend at the Hawaii Theater. If you hurry down there you can catch their last performance today, Sunday, 5/8. It was quite a show of athleticism, physical strength and internal energy. The monks performed with all manner of Chinese weapons ranging from nine segment whips to the cresent moon spear. What was most impressive was their mastery of internal energy or chi. In the photo this monk was raised overhead by the points of spears carried by fellow monks. In other demonstrations one monk was sandwiched between a bed of sword blades and a palette of nails, upon which lay another monk, upon which a big concrete slab was placed and broken with a sledgehammer. The concrete slab was about 12 inches thick and required three blows to crack. Definitely not one of those tricks you would want to try at home. These monks are the real McCoy and start from a very young age perfecting their skill. It’s a discipline that requires dedication and a life long commitment. First and foremost these are still monks who live the monsatic life.